Top Smart Home Tech Tools for Modern Living

Rachio Iro Smart Sprinkler Controller Home irrigation has evolved far beyond oscillating sprinklers. The Rachio Iro Smart Sprinkler Controller brings weather-aware irrigation to your yard, using 24-hour weather data and an internet connection to make watering more efficient. The system supports up to 16 zones and includes a central control unit that can replace most electronic sprinkler controllers. After connecting to your home Wi‑Fi, you configure each zone with details about vegetation, soil type, slope and sun exposure. Entering your ZIP code lets the unit fetch local weather to optimize its Smart Cycle, which adjusts watering schedules based on current conditions and forecasts. Price: $249.99.

© MOPHIE

Mophie Powerstation Mophie is well known for its Juice Pack battery cases that protect and charge phones. For users who prefer a slimmer setup, the Mophie Powerstation offers portable power without the bulk of a case. Available in five capacities—from the compact 1x with 2,000 mAh up to the 8x with 15,000 mAh—the lineup covers casual top-ups to heavier use. The smaller 1x, 2x and 3x models prioritize portability, while the larger 5x and 8x include Bluetooth connectivity and an accompanying app so you can monitor remaining charge and manage power delivery. Price range: $39.95–$149.95.

© NINE APP

© NINE APP

Nine App Nine reimagines the basic to‑do list for smartphones by turning tasks into a visual, location-aware experience. While many users rely on default reminder apps, Nine encourages higher engagement by prompting you to photograph tasks and optionally geotag them. Capturing a task as an image creates a stronger mental connection to the action, and the app helps organize objectives into clear, manageable lists. This visual approach aims to boost productivity by making tasks easier to recognize and act upon. Price: $0.99.

© INTEL

© INTEL

Intel Compute Stick For travelers who want computing power without a laptop, the Intel Compute Stick turns a TV into a full computer. About the size of a large flash drive, it plugs into an HDMI port and supports two USB peripherals for keyboard and mouse. A microSD slot expands storage beyond the built-in capacity, and integrated Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth let you access the internet, stream media and connect accessories. The Compute Stick is a convenient, ultra-portable option when a mobile device’s apps aren’t enough and you need a familiar desktop environment on the go. Price: $130.